Hackett hits back as Smith delivers ‘pathetic’ verdict on Aston Villa controversy
Keith Hackett has hit back after Aston Villa manager Dean Smith insisted Manchester United did not deserve a penalty for Douglas Luiz’s challenge on Paul Pogba.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-FIFA and Premier League referee suggested Smith’s judgement was clouded by passion.
Luiz and Pogba came together in the Villa penalty area in the 52nd minute before Pogba fell to the floor.
Bruno Fernandes converted the resulting penalty to level the scores before Man United scored twice more and won 3-1.
Speaking after the game, Smith called the decision to award Man United a penalty “pathetic”.
He told Sky Sports: “Everybody is confused how Raheem Sterling can go through and have four or five touches on him last night and not get a penalty, then one touch here and it is a penalty — it looked a pathetic decision to me.”
Hackett insisted Sterling should have been awarded a penalty for Manchester City against Chelsea on Saturday and therefore Smith’s point is irrelevant.
He told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “This is a clear penalty, he’s had about three goes.
“There’s no hesitation, the referee’s in a really good position, he’s seen it and you can’t make that type of challenge. It’s a foul.
“Both of them are penalties. Sterling wasn’t awarded a penalty kick but should have been.
“Under the laws of the game, it’s careless. Careless is when a player shows a lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or act without precaution. It’s a penalty challenge.
“Passion gives you a different view sometimes.”
The result leaves Aston Villa in 11th with four games left to play.
Manchester United are second and the win guaranteed them a top-four finish.
In other news, a West Brom rising star has headed to Aston Villa after permission granted.